Where to Stay

The early 1900s brought an end to Boulder's gold rush days and sparked a boom in tourism, but sufficient accommodations were hard to come by. The Hotel Boulderado, a Victorian beauty built in 1909 as the centerpiece to downtown, laid to rest any worries about the town's ability to take care of tourists.

Downtown

If you are looking for historical elegance or stately neighborhood charm, there are plenty of fine downtown hotels and bed-and- breakfasts to choose from. Staying in and around the downtown however, has a hefty price. Most rooms run well over $100 per night, but offer some of the best amenities in the city.

Combine Boulder with Colorado and you have the Hotel Boulderado. Even after a long and rugged history, the hotel is still the pride and joy of Boulder. Louis Armstrong slept here, as did Teddy Roosevelt. A 1980s restoration transformed the place into an opulent gem. Even if you are lodging elsewhere, stop by for a gaze at the extraordinary architecture, including its magnificent Italian stained glass ceiling. Two restaurants, including the award-winning Q's Restaurant, and a popular basement nightclub provide the entertainment.

The Bradley Inn features 12 distinctive rooms exuding a contemporary flair. Posh leather furnishings adorn the interior and cowboy oil paintings liven the walls. A complete business center and three banquet facilities make it a perfect stop for meetings, while the in-room fireplaces and whirlpool tubs spark romance.

Scattered about the historic residential districts surrounding downtown are a host of charming bed-and-breakfasts and country inns. If you are looking for a breath of individuality, warm mountain hospitality, or a chance to blend with the locals, the B&B scene is a good choice. The Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast, tucked away in the Goss Gove neighborhood, holds the honor of being Boulder's first bed-and-breakfast. The Honeymoon Room, complete with wood burning fireplaces, draws couples from around the world, and the beautifully manicured courtyard garden is perfect for an evening stroll.

For panoramic views of the Flatirons and the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, check into The Inn at the Mapleton Hill. Standing high above downtown nestled beneath towering cottonwoods, the inn started receiving guests in 1889. The current owners live on-site and take great care in preparing the morning's gourmet breakfast. Stunning cathedral ceilings trademark the Pearl Street Inn. Built in 1898, the inn's eight rooms mix Victorian period furniture with modern conveniences, and the pleasant gardens provide a quiet setting for relaxation.

For a comfortable room at an affordable price (by downtown standards), try the University Inn. Although the inn provides easy access to University of Colorado and downtown, the location is off a busy intersection and can get noisy. The Quality Inn and Suites, just down the hill from the University of Colorado, is also relatively inexpensive.

University Hill

Hotels are not the focus of this district, but you might find a few cheap sleeps, including the Boulder International Youth Hostel. The large quarters feature predominantly dormitory style sleeping arrangements, but apartment style rooms, designed for families on an extended stay, are also available.

The Colorado Chautauqua Association rents 60 cottages and rooms in two lodges on the park grounds. The lodging is perfect for those seeking a tranquil environment close to downtown attractions.

28th Street Shopping District

Whether in town for a University of Colorado happening or a business event, the accommodations in and around 28th Street offer easy access to both the university and the business districts. The Boulder Broker Inn combines stately Victorian elegance with big business. Rooms feature posh leather furnishings, regal antiques and amazing views of the Flatirons. Plus, the facility has more than 4000 square feet of meeting space and a steak house perfect for entertaining clients. The Millennium Harvest Hotel is an expansive 262-room spread located along Boulder Creek. Rent a mountain bike and wander the bike trails or take in a game of tennis on one of the 15 courts. The available meeting space could easily house a small army. The new Boulder Marriott brings a long tradition of excellence to town, and the Courtyard Boulder makes the business crowd happy. Roadside favorites include Best Western Golden Buff Lodge and the Best Western Boulder Inn.

Mountains/Foothills

Boulder canyon's lodging options are perfect for romantic getaways or business travelers wanting a taste of the high country without meandering too far from the job. The Alps Boulder Canyon Inn rests against a mountainside and is extremely popular for weekend retreats and wedding receptions. The Boulder Mountain Lodge features an array of accommodations ranging from rustic campsites to comfortable kitchenettes.

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